Michael Fulmer (10-4, 2.58 ERA) takes the hill for the Detroit Tigers (69-59) as they square off against Brett Oberholtzer (3-2, 5.27 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (54-74) in the second of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The Tigers won the last game 4-2, continuing a five-game winning streak. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 27 and can be seen on FS1.
Fulmer pitched 5.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering six runs, striking out one and walking one in a 10-2 defeat to the Red Sox. J.D. Martinez (.320, 54 Rs, 18 HRs, 52 RBIs, 1 SB) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI. Oberholtzer went 3.1 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out one and walking one in a 7-0 defeat to the Yankees in his last outing. Albert Pujols (.259, 54 Rs, 25 HRs, 101 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Detroit, a big -215 favorite, takes on Los Angeles. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at nine runs for this matchup. The Tigers have recorded an overall money line of +1,426 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 35-16. The Tigers are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.2 per game.
As for their opponent, Los Angeles is coming in with an overall money line of -1,778 and a disappointing record of 28-49 as the underdog. Los Angeles is excellent at making contact with an AL-low 6.0 per game.
The Tigers have an 18-19 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Oberholtzer takes the mound. Fulmer (RHP) will be on the hill against the Angels, who have a 37-56 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET, O/U – Over
Notes
The Tigers are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Angels have a record of 4-16 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Angels are 7-58. The Tigers have a 10-43 record when opponents outhit them.
Los Angeles ranks near the bottom of the league at 25th when it comes to home runs, hitting 122 this season. Detroit ranks in the top 10 with 169.
Ranking seventh, Los Angeles is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.89 per game. Detroit ranks in the top five at second with 9.17.
Ranking 19th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.732). Detroit ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .767.
When the Angels allow at least one home run, they are 29-60. When the Tigers allow one or more homers, they have a 37-42 record.
